INTRODUCTION TO LEVITICUS

There is nothing historical in all this book of Leviticus except the account which it gives us of the consecration of the priesthood (Leviticus 8-9), of the punishment of Nadab and Abihu, by the hand of God, for offering strange fire (Leviticus 10), and of Shelomith’s son, by the hand of the magistrate, for blasphemy (Leviticus 24). All the rest of the book is taken up with the laws, chiefly the ecclesiastical laws, which God gave to Israel by Moses, concerning their sacrifices and offerings, their meats and drinks, and divers washings, and the other peculiarities by which God set that people apart for himself, and distinguished them from other nations, all which were shadows of good things to come, which are realized and superseded by the gospel of Christ. We call the book Leviticus, from the Septuagint, because it contains the laws and ordinances of the levitical priesthood (as it is called, Heb 7:11), and the ministrations of it. The Levites were principally charged with these institutions, both to do their part and to teach the people theirs. We read, in the close of the foregoing book, of the setting up of the tabernacle, which was to be the place of worship; and, as that was framed according to the pattern, so must the ordinances of worship be, which were there to be administered. In these the divine appointment was as particular as in the former, and must be as punctually observed. The remaining record of these abrogated laws is of use to us, for the strengthening of our faith in Jesus Christ, as the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, and for the increase of our thankfulness to God, that by him we are freed from the yoke of the ceremonial law, and live in the times of reformation.

From Revised Matthew Henry Commentary

January 8, 2025

“So Jacob set up a pillar in the place where He talked with him, a pillar of stone; and he poured a drink offering on it, and he poured oil on it.” (Ge 35:14 NKJV)

Jacob talked with God

It became a holy place

Place where man met God

That place is Holy ground

What has God offered to you today?

What offering does God desire from you?

LOST

Lost in wonder and reverence of a God beyond yet near

So lost in amazed praise there is no room for any fear

Looking yet not seeing, yet seeing without looking

A reflection I can receive only when seeking

The light fills my heart and over floods my soul

Refilling and completing my hearts eternal hole

Music unwritten and not sung by weak humanity

Flows within my soul to praise it sets me free

Beyond hands and knees my soul lifts and falls down

My trembling hands seek for the hem of His holy gown

Where I am lost in whom I am seeking

The place lost to the One for whom I’m looking

Is that bright flash a smile from His wondrous face?

Is that warm sensation from God’s own embrace?

Beyond feeling and beyond all human emotion

Swept away beyond even love to humble devotion

I cannot see the face I so long to see

My human frailty and sin do constrain me

Human words no longer hold any value

Limiting all my heart and soul has for You

Lost in the wonder and worship of You I can’t see

Preparation of the time lost in You I will be

January 7, 2025

“Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son.” (Ge 22:13 NKJV)

A ram instead of a lamb

First will come as a Lamb

Then will all power and glory

A Ram destroying evil and sin

What has God offered to you today?

What offering does God desire from you?

Wearing down

Wearing out

Falling apart

Falling down

All part of life

Of fallen life

Life can defeat

Defeat death

January 6, 2025

“But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together.” (Ge 22:7-8 NKJV)

God will provide the Lamb

God always provides the Lamb

Everything comes from God

We only return what is given

What has God offered to you today?

What offering does God desire from you?

Upon the Rock I must stand

Against satan I will stand

For my family I must stand

If my children they will stand

Fallen world will not stand

Sickened church cannot stand

Evil plots will not stand

Against Jesus cannot stand

Hold me, help me stand

Without Jesus never stand

Help upon Jesus to stand

In Jesus I will ever stand

June 2008

January 5, 2025

“So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him.” (Ge 22:3 NKJV)

Abraham did not delay to obey

Can we understand his heart

carrying his beloved son to offer

Only God understands his pain

What has God offered to you today?

What offering does God desire from you?

Grief

Grief tears like a knife

Bringing sorrow and strife

It rips at our inner heart

Shredding us each apart

Tears burn bringing pain

Brought about by sins stain

What can we do to stop

This pain causes us to drop

On our knees we must fall

Is this the end of us all

Fear makes our heart cold

Will we ever grow old

With age also comes fear

Age brings pain very near

Left alone death of love

Is there really hope above

Grief makes an anger burn

From God can make turn

What can stop my rage

Going from stage to stage

Is hope ever really there

Does Someone really care

Questions come in the night

Never answered by our fright

January 4, 2025

“Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”” (Ge 22:2 NKJV)

Only God who has offered His Son

Can ask someone to offer their Son

the only begotten Son of God to offer

the begotten Son God loves He offered

What has God offered to you today?

What offering does God desire from you?

Today I realize something new

This must have come from You

I cannot forget but must forgive

And honor their pain so can live

I need You God for the power

To face this most dreadful hour

To stand face to face with pain

To become Yours once again

Help me Lord to You I pray

Give me strength day by day

To both honor their pain

And bring healing to the stain

God please

Please God

January 3, 2025

“but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.” (Ge 4:5 NKJV)

Cain sought own way to death

no respect for God and His ways

anger kindled to the fire of hell

hell leads to death without life

What has God offered to you today?

What offering does God desire from you?

It is a New Year

same old problems

same old weakness

Help me not despair

January 2, 2025

“Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering,” (Ge 4:4 NKJV)

Abel offered life to cover sin

sin kills life leaving death

God covered our sin with skins

so blood was shed and life given

What has God offered to you today?

What offering does God desire from you?

I do not understand

how do birds fly

how a breath works

how stars are formed

how a child is formed

why do people hate

why do people love

why ignorance is bliss

why wisdom is so rare

when is it too late

when things are over

when am I too young

when am I too old

what I should do

what I shouldn't do

what is really mine

what is not mine

where am I going

where have I been

where God is

where am I

I do not understand

I needn't understand

I need to trust in God

The God who created all

January 1, 2025

“And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD.” (Ge 4:3 NKJV)

Cain's offering was not correct

only blood can bring life from death

the blood of animals offers life

as the blood of Jesus conquers death

What has God offered to you today?

What offering does God desire from you?

Heart Talks 2024 is completed but there will be more to come for as long as I am able. Over seven years ago I promised God I would write a blog to honor the glorious God. This makes the 2,890^th entry. I can only hope I have made God smile.

At the end of the year I find it helpful to look back through the year and see the areas I have grown, the areas I need to grow and make plans to grow in those areas of need.

This is not a time to beat yourself up (like humiliation) but a time to honestly evaluate who you are (humility).

I encourage you to spend some time with God and see His blessings over the last year to encourage you for the coming year!!!

December 31, 2024

“1 ¶ A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, on Shigionoth. 2 O LORD, I have heard your speech and was afraid; O LORD, revive Your work in the midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy.”

“3 ¶ God came from Teman, The Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah His glory covered the heavens, And the earth was full of His praise. 4 His brightness was like the light; He had rays flashing from His hand, And there His power was hidden. 5 Before Him went pestilence, And fever followed at His feet. 6 He stood and measured the earth; He looked and startled the nations. And the everlasting mountains were scattered, The perpetual hills bowed. His ways are everlasting. 7 I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction; The curtains of the land of Midian trembled. 8 O LORD, were You displeased with the rivers, Was Your anger against the rivers, Was Your wrath against the sea, That You rode on Your horses, Your chariots of salvation? 9 Your bow was made quite ready; Oaths were sworn over Your arrows. Selah You divided the earth with rivers. 10 The mountains saw You and trembled; The overflowing of the water passed by. The deep uttered its voice, And lifted its hands on high. 11 The sun and moon stood still in their habitation; At the light of Your arrows they went, At the shining of Your glittering spear. 12 You marched through the land in indignation; You trampled the nations in anger. 13 You went forth for the salvation of Your people, For salvation with Your Anointed. You struck the head from the house of the wicked, By laying bare from foundation to neck. Selah 14 You thrust through with his own arrows The head of his villages. They came out like a whirlwind to scatter me; Their rejoicing was like feasting on the poor in secret. 15 You walked through the sea with Your horses, Through the heap of great waters.”

“16 ¶ When I heard, my body trembled; My lips quivered at the voice; Rottenness entered my bones; And I trembled in myself, That I might rest in the day of trouble. When he comes up to the people, He will invade them with his troops. 17 Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19 The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills. To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments.” (Habakkuk 3:1-19 NKJV)

Throughout the year I have used my words in order to offer another way to see the verses. But here I definitely cannot offer more than these verses.

17 Though the fig tree may not blossom,

Nor fruit be on the vines;

Though the labor of the olive may fail,

And the fields yield no food;

Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,

And there be no herd in the stalls—

18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,

I will joy in the God of my salvation.

19 The LORD God is my strength;

He will make my feet like deer’s feet,

And He will make me walk on my high hills.

Prayerful question: Do I pray?

Do I pray every day?

Do I pray throughout the day?

Do I seek to know how to pray?

If you have followed this devotional much I hope and pray you have found a deeper and more conversational way to pray!!!

December 30, 2024

“1 ¶ I will stand my watch And set myself on the rampart, And watch to see what He will say to me, And what I will answer when I am corrected. 2 Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. 4 “Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.”

“5 ¶ “Indeed, because he transgresses by wine, He is a proud man, And he does not stay at home. Because he enlarges his desire as hell, And he is like death, and cannot be satisfied, He gathers to himself all nations And heaps up for himself all peoples. 6 “Will not all these take up a proverb against him, And a taunting riddle against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases What is not his—how long? And to him who loads himself with many pledges’? 7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. 8 Because you have plundered many nations, All the remnant of the people shall plunder you, Because of men’s blood And the violence of the land and the city, And of all who dwell in it. 9 “Woe to him who covets evil gain for his house, That he may set his nest on high, That he may be delivered from the power of disaster! 10 You give shameful counsel to your house, Cutting off many peoples, And sin against your soul. 11 For the stone will cry out from the wall, And the beam from the timbers will answer it. 12 “Woe to him who builds a town with bloodshed, Who establishes a city by iniquity! 13 Behold, is it not of the LORD of hosts That the peoples labor to feed the fire, And nations weary themselves in vain? 14 For the earth will be filled With the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, As the waters cover the sea.”

“15 ¶ “Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbor, Pressing him to your bottle, Even to make him drunk, That you may look on his nakedness! 16 You are filled with shame instead of glory. You also—drink! And be exposed as uncircumcised! The cup of the LORD’S right hand will be turned against you, And utter shame will be on your glory. 17 For the violence done to Lebanon will cover you, And the plunder of beasts which made them afraid, Because of men’s blood And the violence of the land and the city, And of all who dwell in it. 18 “What profit is the image, that its maker should carve it, The molded image, a teacher of lies, That the maker of its mold should trust in it, To make mute idols? 19 Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Awake!’ To silent stone, ‘Arise! It shall teach!’ Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, Yet in it there is no breath at all. 20 But the LORD is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.”” (Habakkuk 2:1-20 NKJV)

I will wait to be corrected

through vision

through the Bible

or through prayer

I will wait to be corrected

Prayerful question: Do I pray seeking God's wisdom and guidance?

December 29, 2024

“1 ¶ The burden which the prophet Habakkuk saw. 2 O LORD, how long shall I cry, And You will not hear? Even cry out to You, “Violence!” And You will not save. 3 Why do You show me iniquity, And cause me to see trouble? For plundering and violence are before me; There is strife, and contention arises. 4 Therefore the law is powerless, And justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore perverse judgment proceeds.”

“5 ¶ “Look among the nations and watch—Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days Which you would not believe, though it were told you. 6 For indeed I am raising up the Chaldeans, A bitter and hasty nation Which marches through the breadth of the earth, To possess dwelling places that are not theirs. 7 They are terrible and dreadful; Their judgment and their dignity proceed from themselves. 8 Their horses also are swifter than leopards, And more fierce than evening wolves. Their chargers charge ahead; Their cavalry comes from afar; They fly as the eagle that hastens to eat. 9 “They all come for violence; Their faces are set like the east wind. They gather captives like sand. 10 They scoff at kings, And princes are scorned by them. They deride every stronghold, For they heap up earthen mounds and seize it. 11 Then his mind changes, and he transgresses; He commits offense, Ascribing this power to his god.””

“12 ¶ Are You not from everlasting, O LORD my God, my Holy One? We shall not die. O LORD, You have appointed them for judgment; O Rock, You have marked them for correction. 13 You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, And cannot look on wickedness. Why do You look on those who deal treacherously, And hold Your tongue when the wicked devours A person more righteous than he? 14 Why do You make men like fish of the sea, Like creeping things that have no ruler over them? 15 They take up all of them with a hook, They catch them in their net, And gather them in their dragnet. Therefore they rejoice and are glad. 16 Therefore they sacrifice to their net, And burn incense to their dragnet; Because by them their share is sumptuous And their food plentiful. 17 Shall they therefore empty their net, And continue to slay nations without pity?” (Habakkuk 1:1-17 NKJV)

I bring the burden of my heart to God

How can God use destruction to cleanse

Can God use evil to redeem a nation

Shouldn't God use mercy and justice

Prayerful question: Am I willing to hear God's answer to my prayer?

To me the book of Habakkuk is a primer in relational prayer which is a conversation rather than a statement by Habakkuk. We see the heart of Habakkuk which is wounded by all the suffering sand evil he experiences around him. We also see the heart of God who responds honestly and in a shocking way Habakkuk did not expect or desire. This prayer conversation would become part of the history of Israel and of God’s story or His Story. We are reminded history is the story of God working with and in humanity.

December 28, 2024

“1 ¶ Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled And every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight And the rough ways smooth; 6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”” (Lu 3:1-6 NKJV)

Is Luke historical

Are

Tiberius Caesar

Pontius Pilate

Herod

Philip

Lysanias

Annas and Caiaphas

John the son of Zacharias

historical

Prayerful question: Does how I pray reveal my faith in the historical and theological reality of God?

December 27, 2024

“36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. 39 So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.” (Luke 2:36-40 NKJV)

In widowhood served God day and night

fasting and praying to see the Promised One

with thanks she shared the promise fulfilled

then like others disappears to faithful service

Prayerful question: Do I proclaim the Kingdom of God is here and the promise of the second coming as I pray?

December 26, 2024

“25 ¶ And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: 29 “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation 31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, 32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.” 33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 “(yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”” (Luke 2:25-35 NKJV)

Waiting for God's promise

Growing old in patient faith

Holding the promise of God

Promise of suffering and joy

Prayerful question: Is my prayer offered in patient faith believing in God's promise?

Joy is experiencing God in all you are and in all you experience

Joy strengths you because of and in spite of circumstances

Joy is able to sing when you are in prison or in pain

Joy is God's Spirit exploding into your life

Joy plants the seed of hope in those around you

Joy is knowing heaven in being in God's presence and in His love

Joy is knowing we can experience heaven NOW

Joy leads you from existence into life

Write down what joy means to you.

December 25, 2024

“8 ¶ Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 “And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”” (Luke 2:8-14 NKJV)

Shepherds lowliest of all

Guard sheep for Temple

Guard sheep for sacrifice

Come to see God's Lamb

Prayerful question: Do I pray to the Lamb of God, the redeeming sacrifice and the King of Kings to come?

December 24, 2024

“54 He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, 55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.” 56 And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house.” (Luke 1:54-56 NKJV)

God remembers His people

God remembers His covenant

God remembers His mercy

God remembers you His child

Prayerful question: Do I remember God's remembrance of me as I pray”

What is “Do This in Remembrance of Me” about?

December 23, 2024

“51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly.” (Luke 1:51-52 NKJV)

The birth of Jesus

is God's power seen

to humble humanity

lift above humiliation

Prayerful question: Do I pray for humility to grow but not humiliation to shame?

December 22, 2024

“48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. 49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. 50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation.” (Luke 1:48-50 NKJV)

God reaches beyond my hope

into my lowly world and life

others will call me blessed

I give glory to almighty God

Prayerful question: Do I pray from how God sees me? (And not how I see myself.)

December 21, 2024

“46 And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:46-47 NKJV)

God magnifies my soul

I rejoice in God my Savior

God sees my smallest need

I rejoice in God my Savior

Prayerful question: Does my prayer express my joy in God my Savior?

December 20, 2024

“41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 “But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 “For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 “Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”” (Luke 1:41-45 NKJV)

Blessed are those who carry life

Shame to those who kill children

Believe in the gift if life from God

To believe receives and is a blessing

Prayerful question: Do I pray women will choose life as a joyous gift?

Winter's time

The soft sigh as the snowflakes land

each flake designed by the Creator

His love forming each snowflake

their uniqueness helps bring unity

The winter breeze cuts through clothes

the coldness tempered by its briskness

causing snow to form their little storms

unnoticed in the snow birthing storm

Sun reflects off snow and ice in brightness

at times a glare burning all else from sight

at times forming a light fog across the ground

at times a soft glow making the scenery magic

Darkness extends it's dominion over the light

bringing a pall of SADness to peoples souls

while others presented with lengthened rest

Christmas Lights cut through the darkness

Candles in windows form a welcoming glow

calling people to return to their own homes

Christmas lights renew the joy of the Light

God's gift into darkness as Christmas Light

December 19, 2024

“41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 “But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 “For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. 45 “Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.” 46 And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. 49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. 50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. 54 He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, 55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.” 56 And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house.” (Luke 1:41-56 NKJV)

The redeemer has come

Leap forth in joy

He has come for you

Leap forth in joy

Prayerful question: Do I shout, sing and leap in joy for the glorious God as I pray?

December 18, 2024

“67 ¶ Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: 68 “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people, 69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David, 70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began, 71 That we should be saved from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us, 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers And to remember His holy covenant, 73 The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: 74 To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. 76 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, 77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins, 78 Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; 79 To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.” 80 So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.” (Lu 1:67-80 NKJV)

GOD HAS NOT FORGOTTEN

Sing forth praise to God's hope

For those who share Good News

Those who call us to God's Light

Prayerful question: Does my prayer include a time to pray for those who carry God's Good News and those who hear?

December 17, 2024

“26 ¶ Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. 32 “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 “And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 “Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 “For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” (Lu 1:26-38 NKJV)

Angel Gabriel appears

Message of life's hope

A child is coming

Mary asks how can be

Mary accepts God's call

Hope of rebirth is born

Prayerful question: Do I pray we will receive with joy the gift the birth of every child brings?

In the coldness of winter God's warmth came

In the darkness of winter God's Light came

In the deep need of winter God's hope came

Into the grief of winter God's Life is born